Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Applications in Tissue Engineering

In regenerative medicine, cellulose-derived biomaterials have generated significant interest due to their versatility and biocompatibility. Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) stands out as a promising polymer for fabricating scaffolds in tissue engineering. This theoretical review was conducted through a documentary-exploratory search in databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, covering scientific literature from 2014 to 2025. Key aspects analysed include the chemical structure of HEC, its synthesis mechanisms, functional properties, and current applications. The findings reveal that HEC is a non-ionic, water-soluble, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer capable of forming porous gels that effectively mimic the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, its structure allows for modification with bioactive compounds such as glycine or ruthenium oxide, broadening its application across various tissue types, including nervous, dermal, and musculoskeletal. Taken together, these characteristics position HEC as a versatile and adaptable platform with great potential for the development of novel strategies in tissue engineering.